Hello, my name is Richie Cunningham and this is my wife, Oprah...

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T

The Bog Father

Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2025
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1
Location
Lake Stevens, WA.
Hello all. Danny here from the PNW (Washington). It's brand new, but I'm still deciding on the first lathe, so if anyone has a good starter lying around, it would make the decision much easier. Glad to be here and have enjoyed reading through the forums, which are a literal encyclopedia of pen turning!
 
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Welcome from Colorado. Decide on a budget and try to think ahead for what you might want to do in the future. Also consider the space you have available. Don't be afraid to buy used, there are two or three available in my area right now. For pens, a small lathe will serve you well. In the event you eventually want to upgrade just start with one which has a number 2 Morse taper.
 
Welcome from NC!
See if you can find a small used lathe locally, FB marketplace or Craigslist. I second the #2 Morse taper. It's much better for accessories than MT1.
 
Welcome Danny! 1st you have to decide on what you want to turn. Pens only? What is your budget? Is this going to be a hobby? a sidehustle? Selling? Figure out that the lathe is about 1/2 of your budget and 1/2 will be for tools, chucks, kits, and supplies.

Go out to the American Association of Woodturners and look for a chapter in your local area. Go visit them and ask if there are any lathes for sale. You may want to join any local clubs. You can get good leads on a used lathe there. They can help you get started. NOTHING beats standing beside someone and watching them, then trying it yourself. Woodcraft is a good place to stop and ask also.
https://www.woodturner.org/Woodturner/AAWConnects/AAW-Connects.aspx
 
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